Anti-Inflammatory Dissolvable Film

ABSTRACT

Provided, among other things, is a slowly dissolvable film comprising: herbal bioactive agent(s); and polymer(s), dissolvable in the aggregate, wherein the film becomes adhesive as it is placed against a mucosal surface and begins to absorb moisture therefrom.

The present invention relates to dissolvable films that deliver herbalextracts to mucosal tissue.

Certain herbal extracts have been clinically shown to be effective intreating or ameliorating certain conditions of the mouth. Described inWO 02/094300 and PCT/US05/42348 [corresponding to U.S. Pat. No.11/284,078, filed 21-Nov.-2005] are a number of useful combinations ofherbal extracts for treating or ameliorating diseases of mucosa, anddosage forms for delivering the extracts to discrete regions of themouth. For example, such combinations, in the delivery form described inPCT/US05/42348, have achieved, in an 80 patient trial, an average of 50%pain reduction in the first ½ hour. In the same trial, average lesionreductions of 40% were achieved in 4 hours.

The delivery devices described in the above-cited documents can be veryeffective, particularly with discrete lesions. However, in some cases oforal or other mucosal disease the number of lesions can make it at bestawkward to apply medicament delivery devices to each of the lesions. Or,the lesions can be located in positions that may make it physicallydifficult or impossible to deliver a medicament delivery devices to thelesions. Films that adhere upon wetting by mucosal tissue can be used tosmoothly adhere to hard-to-reach locations, and can be more adaptable toconvoluted tissue surfaces. Also, the typical softness of the filmallows films to more comfortably overlap to help cover a mucosaltopology. These films are designed to dissolve relatively slowly, withdissolution believed to accentuate release of active in the vicinity ofthe mucosa, for enhanced uptake. The slow dissolving film in turnprotects the lesion from mechanical stress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides, among other things, a slowlydissolvable film comprising: herbal bioactive agent(s); and polymer(s),dissolvable in the aggregate, wherein the film becomes adhesive as it isplaced against a mucosal surface and begins to absorb moisturetherefrom.

Further provided is a film application kit comprising: a cosmetic orbioactive agent and a film comprising polymer(s), dissolvable in theaggregate, wherein the film becomes adhesive as it is placed against amucosal surface and begins to absorb moisture therefrom; and anapplicator to which the film is releasable attached such that the filmcan be placed with the applicator against a mucosal surface to providesufficient adhesion such that the applicator can be pulled, torn orpeeled from the film substantially without displacing the film.

Also provided is a method of treating an indication of mucosal oradjacent tissue comprising periodically applying to mucosa at oradjacent to disease affected tissue a film comprising: herbal bioactiveagent(s); and polymers, dissolvable in the aggregate, wherein the filmbecomes adhesive as it is placed against a mucosal surface and begins toabsorb moisture therefrom.

Further provided is a method of applying a film to a mucosal surfacecomprising: providing:

-   -   a cosmetic or bioactive agent and a film comprising polymer(s),        dissolvable in the aggregate, wherein the film becomes adhesive        as it is placed against a mucosal surface and begins to absorb        moisture therefrom; and    -   an applicator to which the film is releasable attached such that        the film can be placed with the applicator against a mucosal        surface to provide sufficient adhesion such that the applicator        can be pulled, torn or peeled from the film substantially        without displacing the film from the mucosa; and        manipulating the applicator to position the film on the mucosal        surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-4 show applicator kits useful with the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show films that can be readily divided into subsections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. Plant Extracts

Appropriate plant extract compositions for use in the film includeextract of Sambucus nigra (SN), and may include additional plantextracts of Allium sativum (AS), Calendula officinalis (CO), Camelliasinensis (CS), Centella asiatica (CA, also known as Gotu Kola),Commiphora molmol (CM), Echinacea purpurea (EP), Gaultheria procumbens(GP), Hypericum perforatum (HP), Krameria triandra (KT), Ligusticumporterii-osha (LP), Matricaria recutita, Melissa officinalis, Salixalba, Thymus vulgaris, Uncaria tomentosa, Usnea barbata or Vacciniummyrtillus. The extract compositions can include, for example, Sambucusnigra extract in an amount from one of the lower percentages (by weight)recited in the next sentence to 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100%. Theselower percentages are 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 or 95%. If asecond or third extract is present, it may be present, for example inamount from one of the lower percentages to one of the higherpercentages recited in the following sentences. Lower percentages forthe second or third extracts can be, for example, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 or20%. Higher percentages can be, for example, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 or50%. These ranges, and any other ranges described in this application,can include or exclude one or both endpoints.

The term “extract” is used herein to include all of the many types ofpreparations containing an effective amount of active ingredients. Thus,the extracts can be produced by cold extraction techniques using avariety of different extraction solvents including, but not limited to,water, fatty solvents (such as olive oil), and alcoholic solvents (e.g.70% ethanol). Cold extraction techniques are typically applied to softerparts of the plant such as leaves and flowers, or in cases wherein thedesired active components of the plant are heat labile. Alternatively,hot extraction techniques can be used, where such solvents are heated toa temperature above room temperature, with the precise value of saidtemperature being dependent on factors such as the properties of thechosen solvent and extraction efficacy. Hot extraction techniques aremore commonly applied to the harder, tougher parts of the plant, such asbark, woody branches and larger roots. In some cases, sequentialextractions need to be performed in more than one solvent, and atdifferent temperatures. Standard procedures for producing plant extracts(including hot extraction, cold extraction and other techniques) aredescribed in many publications including “Medicinal plants: a fieldguide to the medicinal plants of the Land of Israel (in Hebrew), author:N. Krispil, Har Gilo, Israel, 1986 and “Making plant medicine”, author:R. Cech, pub. by Horizon Herbs, 2000.

Exemplary extract compositions by weight percentage include: PlantComposition: Extract C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 SN 70 80 9070 80 90 AS 30 20 10 CO 30 20 10 CA 30 20 10 CM 30 20 10 C13 C14 C15 C16C17 C18 C19 C20 C21 C22 C23 C24 SN 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70AS 20 20 20 20 20 CO 10 20 20 20 20 CA 10 10 20 20 20 CM 10 10 10 EP 1010 10 GP 10 10 10 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31 C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 SN 8080 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 AS 10 10 10 10 10 CO 10 10 10 10 10 CA10 10 10 10 10 CM 10 10 10 EP 10 10 10 GP 10 10 10 C37 C38 C39 C40 C41C42 C44 C45 C46 C47 C48 SN 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 AS 10 9 8 76 5 9 8 7 6 5 CO 1 2 3 4 5 CA 1 2 3 4 5 C49 C50 C51 C52 C53 C54 C56 C57C58 C59 C60 SN 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 AS 10 9 8 7 6 5 9 8 7 65 CM 1 2 3 4 5 EP 1 2 3 4 5 C61 C62 C63 C64 C65 C66 SN 90 90 90 90 90 90AS 10 9 8 7 6 5 GP 1 2 3 4 5 C67 C68 C69 C70 C71 C72 C74 C75 C76 C77 C78SN 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 CO 10 9 8 7 6 5 9 8 7 6 5 CA 1 2 3 45 CM 1 2 3 4 5 C79 C80 C81 C82 C83 C84 C86 C87 C88 C89 C90 SN 90 90 9090 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 CM 10 9 8 7 6 5 9 8 7 6 5 EP 1 2 3 4 5 GP 1 2 34 5 C91 C92 C93 C94 C95 C96 C98 C99 C100 C101 C102 SN 90 90 90 90 90 9090 90 90 90 90 CA 10 9 8 7 6 5 9 8 7 6 5 CM 1 2 3 4 5 EP 1 2 3 4 5 C103C104 C105 C106 C107 C108 C110 C111 C112 C113 C114 SN 90 90 90 90 90 9090 90 90 90 90 EP 10 9 8 7 6 5 9 8 7 6 5 GP 1 2 3 4 5 HP 1 2 3 4 5 C115C116 C117 C118 C119 C120 C122 C123 C124 C125 C126 SN 90 90 90 90 90 9090 90 90 90 90 EP 10 9 8 7 6 5 9 8 7 6 5 KT 1 2 3 4 5 LP 1 2 3 4 5

The above amounts provide exemplary useful amounts ±0.5% for amountsfrom 1-2%, ±0.5 or 1% for amounts from 3-5%, ±0.5, 1 or 2% for amountsfrom 6-10%, ±1, 2, 3, 4 or 5% for amounts from 70-90% (with theforegoing percentage ranges being of the total extract amount byweight).

In some embodiments, the solids from the extract(s) typically contributeamounts to the film from one of the following lower endpoints or fromone of the following upper endpoints. The lower endpoints are 10, 15,20, 25 and 30 weight percent. The upper endpoints are 15, 20, 25, 30,35, 40 and 45 weight percent. The percent of such solids in the adhesivereservoir layer can be, for example, approximately 30.0, 30.1, 30.2 andso in increments of 0.1 up to 40.0.

In some embodiments the herbal bioactive can be one or more flavonoids,isoflavonoids, tocopherols, polyphenols, or similar agents often foundin herbal extracts.

Flavonoids can include, for example, flavonols or flavonolols [such as,without limitation, a rutoside: rutin (quercitin 3-O-rutino-side),quercitrin (quercetin 3-O-rhamno-side), isoquercitrin (quercetin3-O-glucoside), diosmin (diosmetin 7.beta.-rutinoside), astragalin(kaempferol 3-O-glucoside), kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, myricitrin (ormyricetin 3-O-rhamnoside), robinin (or kaempferol 3-O-robinoside7-rhamnoside), kaempferitrin (or kaempferol 3,7-O-dirhamnoside),nobiletin, tangeretin]. Or, flavonoids can include, for example,flavones [such as, without limitation, rhoifolin (or apigenin7-O-neohesperido-side), luteolin 7-O-glucoside, scutellarin (orscutellarein 5-O-glucoside), pectolinarin (or pectolinarigenin7-O-rutoside), galuteolin (or luteolin 5-O-glucoside), acaciin (oracacetin 7-O-rhamnoglucoside)]. Or, flavonoids can include, for example,flavanones [such as, without limitation, liquiritin (or liquiritin4′-O-glucoside), naringin (or naringenin 7-O-neohesperido-side),hesperidin (or hesperetin 7-O-rut-inoside), eriodictin (or eridictiol7-O-rhamnoside)].

Isoflavonoids can include, for example: formononetin 7-O-glucoside (orononin), afromosin 7-O-glucoside (or wistin), genistein (or genistein7-O-glucoside), daidzin, glycitin, genistein 6-O-malonylglucoside,daidzein 6-O-malonylglucoside, genistein 6-O-acetyl-glucoside, iridin(or irigenin 7-O-glucoside), irisolone, tectoridin (or tectorigenin7-O-glucoside) or shekanin.

The flavonoids and/or isoflavonoids can be those found in one or more ofthe herbal extracts identified above, and in amount found in thecompositions described above.

If any one of these specific bioactive agents is included in the film itcan be used in an amount corresponding to the amount found in one of theabove-described extracts.

2. Polymer Components of the Film

The films of the invention are not dissimilar to the films used, forexample, to make the Listerine PocketPak mouth fresheners, except thatthe polymers, polymer amounts, plasticizers and plasticizer amounts areselected to provide a longer residence time. In PocketPak films thepolymers used are typically polysaccharide-based or polysaccharide andglycoprotein-based gums such as pullulan, locust bean gum, xanthan gum,sodium alginate, gum Arabic and the like. These can be used in thecurrent films, though generally the overall content of polymer thatswell or dissolve more slowly (than in typical mouth freshener films)may be higher.

The films can be comprised in one layer, or two layers. If in twolayers, the one adapted to adhere to mucosal tissue when wetted can betermed the “adhesive layer,” as can the single layer in a one layerfilm. With two layers, the outer layer can be less adhesive ornon-adhesive, and can provide protection against mechanical agitation,such as agitation by a user's tongue. The components of the outer layermight be, of themselves, less dissolvable than the components of anadhesive layer. However, in the aggregate, the film shall dissolve inthat it will transition to fully dissolved parts or parts that will becarried away by normal cleaning processes at the mucosal tissue inquestion. In forming two layers, diffusion or the forming process itselfmay provide a gradient in component amounts in the transition betweenthe two layers.

In some embodiments, the polymers contribute amounts to adhesive layersfrom one of the following lower endpoints (inclusive) or from one of thefollowing upper endpoints (inclusive). The lower endpoints are 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 weight percent. The upper endpoints are 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 weight percent. For example, thepolymers can comprise 35 to 65 wt. %, or 40 to 60 wt. %. For thispurpose polymers comprise synthetic polymers, natural polymer products,or derivatives of natural polymer products, but not polymers that mayhappen to be found in the plant extracts.

The polymers can be polymers that affect the rate of hydration ormucosal adhesion properties of an adhesive layer. Such polymers can be,for example, carboboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate,ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose(HPMC, such as Pharmacoat 606™, Shin-Etsu Chemical Company Ltd., Japan),nitrocellulose, polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene polymers, copolymers orblock copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers or derivatives, gumssuch as described above, and the like. Average molecular weight can beselected based on the swelling and dissolution profile sought. Mixturesof less soluble and/or less swellable polymers with more soluble orswellable polymers can help transition the film to a sufficientlydissolved form.

In certain embodiments, the polymer(s) providing mucosal adhesion do notprovide adhesion that is as aggressive as adhesion due, for example, topolymer(s) in which Carbopol 940 is the major adhesive polymer (such ascomprising 40% by wt. or more of an adhesive composition). In certainembodiments, the film is not immediately adhesive, but becomes adhesiveas it acquires moisture from mucosal tissue, with the polymer(s) andother components of the film selected to provide such less aggressiveadhesion.

In certain embodiments, the film comprises carbamer, polyethylene oxide,ethylcellulose, titanium oxide and colorant (such as F, D and C bluelake colorant). Often the film is formed using a pharmaceuticallyappropriate solvent such as ethanol, water, mixtures, or the like. Suchsolvents are typically largely evaporated away prior to use.

3. Plasticizers, Other Components

Plasticizers, penetration enhancers, flavoring agents, preservatives,coloring agents, and the like can be included in the film. Plasticizerswill generally modify the feel, softness, flexibility (in an un-wettedstate) of the film. Penetration enhancers may, in some cases, act asplasticizers. Examples of plasticizers include, without limitation,glycerol, propylene glycol, fatty acid esters (such as glyceryl oleate),and the like. Examples of penetration enhancers include, withoutlimitation, PEG-[C10-C30]alkyl, N-lauroyl sacrcosine, sorbitanmonolaurate, stearyl methacrylate, N-Dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one,N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidinone, N-dodecyl-2-piperidinone,2-(1-nonyl)-1,3-dioxolane, N-(2-methoxymethyl) dodecylamine,N-dodecylethanolamine, N-dodecyl-N-(2-methoxymethyl)acetamide,1-N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid,2-pentyl-2-oxo-pyrrolidineacetic acid,2-dodecyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetic acid,2-dodecyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetic acid,1-azacylioheptan-2-one-dodecylacetic acid, and the like.

4. Illustrative Indications; Treatment Parameters

Indications treated with the methods and devices of the inventioninclude any indication of mucosal tissue, or tissue sufficientlyadjacent to mucosal tissue, treatable with the plant extracts and/ordescribed antimicrobial agents. For example, oral indications andmicrobial indications (such as microbial lesions) can be treated withthe methods and devices.

Oral indications appropriate for treatment with the invention include,without limitation, periodontal disease, gingivitis, aphthous ulceration(e.g., canker sores, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, recurrent ulcerativestomatitis), mechanical trauma, thermal trauma, the oral lesions, drymouth (xerostomia), mucositis or eruptions of lichen planus, bullouspemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, dermatitis herpetiformis or angularchelitis, recurrent herpes, other microbial (including viral) eruptionsof the oral mucosa, lesions (including the foregoing and such asmucositis) secondary to chemotherapy or radiation treatment, lesionsresulting from trauma (including chemical or other bums), lesionssecondary to systemic disease, lesions resulting from autoimmunedisease, lesions with idiopathic causes, or the like. The herbalcomponent of the film typically includes components selected to reduceinflammation. In certain embodiments, the herbal component is effectiveto reduce matrix metalloprotease(s) expressed at or near the mucosalmembrane, and/or to reduce cytokine(s) expressed at or near the mucosalmembrane.

The film will generally be applied multiple times during the day, asindicated by the residence time of the film, the period of sustainedrelease of bioactive agent(s), and the like.

In the case of mucositis secondary to chemotherapy or radiationtreatment, the film can be administered after the primary treatment, butbefore symptoms of mucositis are apparent.

In many embodiments, the treated tissue is in the mouth. In otherembodiments, the treatment tissue is at or adjacent to other mucosaltissue, such as nasal, anal, vaginal, and the like.

To provide physical protection for the diseased tissue, and to providetime for delivering medicament, the films in some embodiments have amucosal residence time (defined below) of 5 minutes or more, 10 minutesor more, 15 minutes or more, 30 minutes or more, 60 minutes or more, 1.5hours or more, 2 hours or more, or 3 hours or more.

5. Applicator

A film applicator kit 10 is exemplified in FIG. 1. Film 11 is attachedto applicator 16 via junction 15. The junction 15 can be of any numberof forms that allow the film to be carried by the applicator, but whichcan be torn, peeled, broken after the film begins to adhere to mucosaltissue. For example, it can be a heat-initiated weld, it can be alamination (by heat, adhesive, or the like) to a part of a film that ispart of or contiguous with the film to be applied, or the like. Thejunction can be weakened, by perforation or thinning to facilitateseparating the film and the applicator after the film has been or begunto be applied.

Other applicator examples are shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B (kit 20, film 21,applicator 26), 3A, 3B (kit 30, film 31, applicator 36). It will beapparent that applicator can come in many shapes and sizes adapted tohelp a user manipulate the film to place it against a mucosal surface.

FIG. 4A shows a film applicator kit 60 with an applicator 66 havinghandle 67, which handle can be an open ring sized to fit the top ofindex finger to aid a user in positioning the film 61. FIG. 4B shows afilm applicator kit 70 with an applicator 76 having handle 77, whichhandle can be an open ring sized to fit the top of an index or otherfinger to aid a dental worker in positioning the film 71. Additionally,handle 76 incorporates a swivel member 76A that allows the film torotate with respect to the handle 77. As will recognized, the swivelmember can be located anywhere on applicator 76. Swivel member 76A canbe, for example, a sleeve in which an axle (e.g., the rest of applicator76) rotates, or an axle about which a sleeve connected to the rest ofapplicator 76 rotates. Any device for facilitating rotation can be used,including devices with bearings or other friction-reducing mechanisms.Permitted rotation can be 360 degrees, or a narrower range adapted tofacilitate localizing the film on mucosal tissue.

The applicator allows the film to be positioned relatively precisely—ascan be especially useful to match the location of affected tissue withthe film, which can be relatively small (e.g., 1 cm diameter). Theapplicator kit(s) can be individually packaged, for example in foil orpolymer packets. These can, for example, be opened by tearing, such asfrom a scored starting location.

The applicator can be used with a wide variety of films intended to beadhered to mucosal tissue. As such, the films can delivery any of avariety of bioactive agents, such as antimicrobial agents. Or, the filmscan delivery a cosmetic agent, such as a freshener.

6. Film Subsections

In certain embodiments, the film has weakened segments 42, 52 (FIGS. 5A,5B) that allow, for example, film 41, 51 to be torn into subsections(such as subsections 41A-F, 51A-F). The segments can, for example, beweakened by thinning, perforation, or the like. The subsections can beused to help appropriately size a film for use. With partial scores,such as weakened segments 52, a user can have more flexibility inselecting the final shape.

7. Other Solid Dosage Forms or Rinse for Use with the Film

In certain embodiments, the film is administered in conjunction withanother administration form, such as a patch or mucoadhesive soliddosage form. This other dosage form can be applied before, concurrently,or after administration of the film. Other solid forms can help delivermedicament to more severely affected, or more mechanically accessibletissue, while the film delivers medicament elsewhere.

8. Antiinflamatory Agents

In certain embodiments, the film further comprising anti-inflammatoryagent(s), such as steroidal or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.Steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, include but are not limited to,corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, hydroxyltriamcinolone,alpha-methyl dexamethasone, dexamethasone-phosphate, beclomethasonedipropionates, clobetasol valerate, desonide, desoxymethasone,desoxycorticosterone acetate, dexamethasone, dichlorisone, diflorasonediacetate, diflucortolone valerate, fluadrenolone, flucloroloneacetonide, fludrocortisone, flumethasone pivalate, fluosinoloneacetonide, fluocinonide, flucortine butylesters, fluocortolone,fluprednidene (fluprednylidene) acetate, flurandrenolone, halcinonide,hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone butyrate, methylprednisolone,triamcinolone acetonide, cortisone, cortodoxone, flucetonide,fludrocortisone, difluorosone diacetate, fluradrenolone,fludrocortisone, diflurosone diacetate, fluradrenolone acetonide,medrysone, amcinafel, amcinafide, betamethasone and the balance of itsesters, chloroprednisone, chlorprednisone acetate, clocortelone,clescinolone, dichlorisone, diflurprednate, flucloronide, flunisolide,fluoromethalone, fluperolone, fluprednisolone, hydrocortisone valerate,hydrocortisone cyclopentylpropionate, hydrocortamate, meprednisone,paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, beclomethasone dipropionate,triamcinolone, and mixtures thereof.

Other anti-inflammatory agents useful in the compositions include thenonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The variety of compoundsencompassed by this group are well-known to those skilled in the art.For detailed disclosure of the chemical structure, synthesis, sideeffects, etc. of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, reference canbe had to standard texts, including Anti-inflammatory and Anti-RheumaticDrugs, K. D. Rainsford, Vol. I-III, CRC Press, Boca Raton, (1985), andAnti-inflammatory Agents, Chemistry and Pharmacology 1, R. A. Scherrer,et al., Academic Press, New York (1974).

Specific non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents useful in thecomposition invention include, but are not limited to: 1) the oxicams,such as piroxicam, isoxicam, tenoxicam, sudoxicam, and CP-14,304; 2) thesalicylates, such as aspirin, disalcid, benorylate, trilisate, safapryn,solprin, diflunisal, and fendosal; 3) the acetic acid derivatives, suchas diclofenac, fenclofenac, indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, isoxepac,furofenac, tiopinac, zidometacin, acematacin, fentiazac, zomepirac,clindanac, oxepinac, felbinac, and ketorolac; 4) the fenamates, such asmefenamic, meclofenamic, flufenamic, niflumic, and tolfenamic acids; 5)the propionic acid derivatives, such as ibuprofen, naproxen,benoxaprofen, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, fenbufen,indopropfen, pirprofen, carprofen, oxaprozin, pranoprofen, miroprofen,tioxaprofen, suprofen, alminoprofen, and tiaprofenic; 6) the pyrazoles,such as phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, feprazone, azapropazone, andtrimethazone; and mixtures of the foregoing.

Mixtures of these steroid and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agentscan be employed, as well as the pharmologically acceptable salts andesters of these agents. For example, etofenamate, a flufenamic acidderivative, is particularly useful for topical application.

The following examples further illustrate the present invention, but ofcourse, should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope.

Definitions

The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this application,the respective meanings set forth below.

antimicrobial agent

An antimicrobial agent is a bioactive agent that inhibits thereproduction or decreases the survival of pathogenic microbes (e.g., abacteria, mycoplasma, fungi including but not limited to yeast, virus,protozoa or parasite (such as a nematode, schistosome, malariaparasite)) or inhibits the propagation, which includes withoutlimitation replication, viral assembly or cellular infection, of avirus.

bioactive agent

A bioactive agent is a substance such as a chemical that can act on acell, virus, tissue, organ or organism, including but not limited toinsecticides or drugs (i.e., pharmaceuticals) to create a change in thefunctioning of the cell, virus, organ or organism.

dissolvable polymers

Dissolvable polymers are polymers which, in the aggregate, dissolvecompletely or sufficiently so that any residual polymer is readilysuspended in mucosal fluids.

effective amount

To treat the indications of the invention, an effective amount of apharmaceutical compound will be recognized by clinicians but includes anamount effective to treat, reduce, alleviate, ameliorate, eliminate orprevent one or more symptoms of the disease sought to be treated or thecondition sought to be avoided or treated, or to otherwise produce aclinically recognizable favorable change in the pathology of the diseaseor condition. Thus, an effective amount can be, for example, an amountthat reduces the severity or duration of oral lesions, ulcerations,bleeding, irritation, swelling, erythema, or the like.

mucosal residence time

The mucosal residence time is the time it takes a film to dissolve(taking into account the meaning for “dissolve” implied by thedefinition of “dissolvable polymers) when placed on an appropriatemucosal surface (which may depend on the target site for the film'suse), assuming no directed mechanical action, such as with a user'stongue.

Publications and references, including but not limited to patents andpatent applications, cited in this specification are herein incorporatedby reference in their entirety in the entire portion cited as if eachindividual publication or reference were specifically and individuallyindicated to be incorporated by reference herein as being fully setforth. Any patent application to which this application claims priorityis also incorporated by reference herein in the manner described abovefor publications and references.

While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferredembodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the artthat variations in the preferred devices and methods may be used andthat it is intended that the invention may be practiced otherwise thanas specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includesall modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the claims that follow.

1. A slowly dissolvable film comprising: herbal bioactive agent(s); andpolymer(s), dissolvable in the aggregate, wherein the film becomesadhesive as it is placed against a mucosal surface and begins to absorbmoisture therefrom.
 2. The film of claim 1, wherein the film polymer(s)and other film components are selected to provide a mucosal residencetime of 5 minutes or more
 3. The film of claim 1, comprising tear linesto aid a user to tear our a piece that is shaped or sized moreappropriately for an intended administration site.
 4. The film of claim1, wherein component(s) of Sambucus nigra comprises 51 to 100% by weightof plant extract solids or herbal bioactive agent(s) in the film.
 5. Thefilm of claim 4, wherein components of a second plant comprises from 1to 50% by weight of plant extract solids or herbal bioactive agent(s) inthe film.
 6. The film of claim 5, wherein components of a third plantcomprises from 0.5 to 5% by weight of plant extract solids or herbalbioactive agent(s) in the film.
 7. The film of claim 1, wherein the filmhas two layers, one with polymers selected to be adhesive, and one withpolymers selected to be, on the whole, relatively less dissolvable thanthose of the adhesive layer, wherein said layers are, in the aggregate,dissolvable.
 8. The film of claim 7, wherein the herbal extract(s) aresubstantially in the adhesive layer.
 9. The film of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more anti-inflammatory agents.
 10. A film applicationkit comprising: a cosmetic or bioactive agent and a film comprisingpolymer(s), dissolvable in the aggregate, wherein the film becomesadhesive as it is placed against a mucosal surface and begins to absorbmoisture therefrom; and an applicator to which the film is releasableattached such that the film can be placed with the applicator against amucosal surface to provide sufficient adhesion such that the applicatorcan be pulled, torn or peeled from the film substantially withoutdisplacing the film.
 11. The film application kit of claim 10, whereinthe applicator comprises a handle.
 12. The film application kit of claim11, wherein the handle comprises a ring shape with a ring opening sizedto accept at least the tip of a finger.
 13. The film application kit ofclaim 11, wherein the applicator comprises a swivel member allowing thefilm to rotate with respect to the handle.
 14. A method of treating anindication of mucosal or adjacent tissue comprising periodicallyapplying to mucosa at or adjacent to disease affected tissue a filmcomprising herbal bioactive agent(s); and polymers, dissolvable in theaggregate, wherein the film becomes adhesive as it is placed against amucosal surface and begins to absorb moisture therefrom.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein the indication is of the oral cavity.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the indication is aphthous ulceration. 17.The method of claim 15, wherein the indication is a mucosal lesionsecondary to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
 18. A method ofapplying a film to a mucosal surface comprising: providing: a cosmeticor bioactive agent and a film comprising polymer(s), dissolvable in theaggregate, wherein the film becomes adhesive as it is placed against amucosal surface and begins to absorb moisture therefrom; and anapplicator to which the film is releasable attached such that the filmcan be placed with the applicator against a mucosal surface to providesufficient adhesion such that the applicator can be pulled, torn orpeeled from the film substantially without displacing the film from themucosa; and manipulating the applicator to position the film on themucosal surface.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the applicator ismanipulated with handle comprised in the applicator.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the handle is manipulated by inserting at least aportion of a finger into a ring opening comprised in the handle.
 21. Themethod of claim 19, wherein during the manipulating the handle isrotated with respect to the film.